Dutch ficials have warned that the Netherlands is starting to resemble a narco-state (think Mexico or Escobar’s Colombia). This affects political and economical resources within a state that are both penetrated by the power and wealth created by illegal drug trading. Law enforcement ficials have expressed concern as they are facing an extreme shortage in resources and insufficient training. Currently, only about 20 percent criminal cases receive attention at all as detectives are pulled to focus on cases regarding brutal robberies or murders. This leaves cases targeted towards elderly or vulnerable victims unpunished.
At least $7 billion worth cocaine passes through the port Rotterdam each year according to Europol. Other drugs such as ecstasy and cannabis, most which are sold in Europe and the United States actually derives from labs in the Netherlands. With the increase in organized crime Dutch ficials say they would need at least 2,000 extra ficers in order to attempt regain control the state.